Hometown: Carbondale, Illinois

Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of the Incarnate Word, Bachelor of Arts, Fashion Management

Graduate Institution and Major: San Jose State University, Master of Library and Information Science (Data Science Pathway), Advanced Certificate in Strategic Management of Digital Assets and Services (Data Analytics Pathway)

Bio: Jennifer Robertson is currently the Adult Program Librarian at the Carbondale Public Library, where she plans, markets, and evaluates a variety of programs and services for the Carbondale community. Her work focuses on strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, government leadership, and local businesses. She has worked as a public relations writer, freelance writer, and marketing and events planner in the past. In addition, she is currently the Youth Director of the Rotary Club of Carbondale Breakfast, the Publicity Chair of the Carbondale Branch AAUW, and a foster parent for DCFS.

Email: jrobe22@uis.edu

Relevant Experience: public librarian, grant writer, graduate of Harwood Public Innovators Lab, community organizer

Research Interests: rural public organization/nonprofit development, political environments and public/nonprofit organizations, public organization/nonprofit leadership and decision making, library and public organization/nonprofit partnerships, creative placemaking, design thinking, program evaluation, public value theory, technology in public organizations/nonprofits

Professional Affiliations: Illinois Library Association (member, ILA Reporter Advisory Committee)